GrandtFamily.com

Click the image to see more:

Pictures form this year’s Easter…

Trailer:

Synopsis:
A Christian school football coach is in danger of losing his job because his team has had 6 consecutive losing seasons, not to mention his personal life is a shambles. But he finds comfort in the scriptures and uses it to teach his team that every aspect of your life is to be done for the glory of God. Along the way they learn that God has a hand in everything, even football.

My OPINION:
OK, first off – really BAD acting. Almost turned the movie off it was so bad. But as the film went off, I was able to see past it.

Once you got past the bad acting, it was a really good movie.

This is a very family-friendly movie. It is great for church groups to show. If you are not into “church-y” films or stories, this is not the film for you. But then, if you’re not, you probably wouldn’t have picked it up, or even heard of it to start with.

That being said, this film has a great message. A message that brought me to tears before the film was over. Nothing is impossible with God.

While the acting is mediocre (you’ll feel like you’re watching a high school production), and some of the scenes corny (I have never imagined a football coach quoting scripture on the practice field), the idea was heartfelt and moving. The planting of spiritual seeds. This movie is a great tool of ministry.

The title references the final game of the movie vs. the Richland Giants, a much bigger, much more talented team.  But the metaphor is greater: Facing the Giants. We all have giants and so does every person in this film, especially the coach.  He is having difficulty with his team players transferring to other schools; school with winning teams. He is facing possibly being fired.  His house is falling apart. His car needs jumper cables just to start every time he needs to go somewhere.  He is told by his doctor he will never father children with his wife.

But as he prays and begins to find his purpose, he sees God in every minute of his day.  And sees where prayers are being answered, even if the answer is “No.” Nothing is Impossible with God.

If you enjoyed family films like The Ultimate Gift, The Last Season, Fireproof or any of the Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly saga, you’ll really enjoy this. If feel-good movies make you run, or you are expecting high-action sports scenes with heart-racing music, don’t bother. Varsity Blues, The Replacements, or The Longest Yard are more to your taste.

An uneventful weekend, as Iowa weekends have gone lately.

Christmas Eve: Grandpa’s.  I forgot how crazy and loud and chaotic it is with the entire family there.  You have to shout to be heard by the person sitting next to you.  You need to guard your gifts to make sure that they don’t get caught up in someone else’s trash, b/c the wrapping paper is knee-deep.  But it’s family. And I do love being with family.  It was funny watching Maggie’s reaction, even though she’s only 3-months old. It was the first time she’d been with the Family and her eyes were so wide and she was trying to watch everything and take everything in. I think it was sensory overload for her!

Christmas: Mom & Dad’s.  Us kids bought Mom a new stove and surprised her fairly well with the gift. She had no idea and was just dumbfounded.  The little boys got new tipis from us and just adored them.  It was a toss up between those and their new Hot Wheels tracks as their favorite gifts.  Dinner was wonderful and it was nice to spend time with our immediate family.

Friday- day after: We did nothing! It was great. Sat in our pajamas all day watching movies (I had to work to finish another present though).

Saturday: Grandma’s.  Had a wonderful lunch with ham and potatoes and veggies et al.  No cottage cheese, though. Bad Grandma!   The family has grown and there are now 6 little great-grandchildren.  But it makes it so fun.  We had good conversation and just a warm, welcoming afternoon and evening.

Sunday: The Bears game and movies.  Watching FAcing the Giants (see next entry for review) and part of 27 Dresses.  I need to finish the 2nd one so I know how it ends.  Another lazy afternoon as we tried to consolidate our presents so they would fit in the car – didn’t make it! Some had to be left behind for another trip!  Or maybe Mom & Dad come visit us??  Got a late start home and had to stop a couple of times for Maggie.  Long trip, got in really late.

We’re getting anywhere from 6-10 inches today (it’s been snowing all night). Left home at 5:45 this morning to make sure I got here by 8.  I really hate driving in snow.

My sister desperately needs any and all prayers.  She is currently trying to adjust after leaving her abusive boyfriend and trying to establish custody of her kids.  That’s all I can say, but I had a very scary weekend in Iowa. Email me for details.

I CAN’T WAIT!!!  They included the Brockdale Bridge and everything! (that’s my favorite part – sitting in anticipation of what DID make it into the movie!)

216 days and counting…

Jason’s mom & dad have been house-hunting the last few weeks. They think now’s a good time to buy another property and then rent it out (they live about 15 minutes from us now).  But the main plan is whatever they buy, they’re going to rent to us. Which would be nice.  We were planning to look ourselves this spring, b/c we need a place w/ 3 bedrooms (Maggie’s in our bedroom right now, but there’s no room for any of her “stuff”.  But they’re thinking that if they put the down payment, etc it would be better, b/c we can’t afford a ton right now. That way we could get a bigger home.  I think they may even be thinking about turning around and selling the house to us at a huge discount, but I don’t know if we’ll let them.

But if we move further away, then I do have to find a new doctor for both Maggie and myself. And I really like the ones I have. :-/ Oh well.

I made a last minute decision yesterday to make a trip to Iowa to see my family. It’s about 3-4 hours each way and the weather looks good this weekend. I’ve been feeling really homesick, so I’m going. And my mom is sad because it’s been almost 2 months since she’s seen Maggie and she’s changed so much since then!  Jason will be super busy all weekend, so I wouldn’t see him anyway.

Went to the Big Mall last Saturday with friends. We thought we were absolutely crazy doing it, being so close to Christmas, but it was the PERFECT time to go, considering the season. The mall was open until 11, we went about 8:30 or so.  And we got parking right up front (and it wasn’t the only space there either!) and although there were a lot of people in the mall, the stores themselves weren’t that crowded.  So, if you MUST go to the Big Mall during the season – go then!

Maggie is in love with this stuffed Elmo that belongs to Jason’s sister. She just smiles and giggles whenever we play with it.  Today we’re going to take her 3-month pictures. WE can’t believe how much she’s changed in the last month!